Monthly GK April 2020

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World News

1. As per the UNCTAD report titled World will go facility where both the entities (World Bank into recession except India and China. Note: and the government of India) will work on According to the latest UN report the world following the best international practice. economy will go into recession except India 5. USD 2.9 million amount has been announced and China due to coronavirus pandemic. With by the aid agency USAID to India to fight two-thirds of the world's population living in against Coronavirus. Note: The funds developing countries facing unprecedented announced are going to help India in its fight economic damage from the coronavirus crisis. against COVID-19 and to also provide care for The exporting countries will face $2 trillion to those who are affected and help the local $3 trillion drop in investment from overseas in communities with the tools to stop the the next two years. pandemic spreading in the country. The 2. The World Bank in its Economic Update for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention East Asia and Pacific (EAP) titled “East Asia (CDC), and other relevant agencies, is working and Pacific in the Time of COVID-19” stated closely with India to support the country’s that poverty is estimated to increase 11 response to the pandemic. The US Agency for Million. Note: The World Bank in report says International Development (USAID) is one of that the economic fallout from the coronavirus the leading aid agencies globally pandemic could drive an additional 11 million 6. USD 5 million amount has been allocated by people into poverty in East Asia and the the SAARC Development Fund for COVID-19 Pacific. In the worse-case scenario outlined by projects. Note:The South Asian Association for the Washington-based financial institution, the Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development region could suffer its sharpest downturn in Fund (SDF) has allocated USD 5 million (about more than two decades, plunging much of Asia Rs 38 crore) for COVID-19 projects in 8 into a prolonged recession. member countries, in an effort to mitigate the 3. United Nation’s COP 26 climate change summit financial losses and severe socio-economic postponed till 2021. Note: The conference was impact of the pandemic. planned to take place from 9- 19 November 7. China has become the world leader in 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland in the United international patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Kingdom (UK). Pre-COP and ‘Youth for the Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Note: China has Climate‘ event were also postponed supposed filled a total of 58,990 applications surpassing to be held in Italy.This decision has been taken the United States (US), which was at top spot by the COP Bureau of the UNFCCC after since the PCT began operations in 1978. It discussion with the UK and Italian partners. should be noted that for the third consecutive 4. USD 1 billion amount has been offered by the year, Chinese telecoms giant Huawei topped World Bank to the Indian government for a the global ranking in 2019 with 4,411 PCT proposed India COVID-19 emergency response applications. It was followed by Mitsubishi of and health systems preparedness project. Japan, which made 2,661 filings, Samsung of Note: This four-year project aims to develop South Korea with 2,334 filings and Qualcomm the preparedness of India’s health care of the US with 2,127 filings. systems in the time of the pandemic. The idea 8. UNIDO has signed a memorandum of of the project will be to respond and mitigate understanding (MoU) with Consumer Unity the COVID-19 threat and strengthen national and Trust Society. Note: The MoU, valid for 5 systems for public health preparedness in years, aims to create joint technical co- India, as per the project document. The World operation initiatives to support ongoing Bank funding is from its COVID-19 fast-track activities in achieving the 2030 Sustainable

Development Goal (SDG).As per the MoU, CUTS followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and will support ecommerce as a platform to United States (US). It should be noted that accelerate Member States’ transition to the Generation Z or Gen Z are the ones born digital economy and adapt to the 4th Industrial between 1995 and 2009. Revolution.Both the agencies also decided to 13. North Korea test fired anti-ship cruise missiles implement a BRICS e-commerce project that as a part of military exercises recently. Note: will build upon the success of UNIDO’s pilot e- The missiles were of short range and test fired commerce project implemented in the BRICS into the sea.The missiles were test fired to (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) celebrate the birth anniversary of Kim II Sung. countries from 2016 to 2018. He was the grand father of the current North 9. United States has stopped its funding towards Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The missiles were World Health Organization (WHO). Note: The capable of travelling 150 kilometres. United States provides 400-500 million USD to According to the South Korean officials, the organization annually.The American multiple missiles were test fired. President Donald Trump was threatening the 14. South Korea becomes the first country to hold world organization that the United States national election amidst COVID-19 pandemic. would freeze its funding. The President has Note: The ruling democratic party of President now stopped the funding completely accusing Moon Jae won the election taking 180 seats. the organization being completely China- The opposition United Future Party took 103 centric. seats. There are 300 seats in the South Korea 10. South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu affected National Assembly.There were 14,000 polling by Harold cyclone for which UN releases $ 2.5 booths set up for elections and at every polling million. Note: The United Nations (UN) booth the temperature of the voters was humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock announced checked before they were allowed to vote. and released 2.5 million dollar from its 15. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has emergency humanitarian fund to help increased the size of its COVID-19 Response thousands of people in the South Pacific island Package to $20 Billion. Note: The amount in nation of Vanuatu.The island nation is affected the COVID-19 Response Package was initially by Cyclone Harold.The cyclone made landfall $6.5 billion as per announcement in March on the largest island in Vanuatu, Espiritu 2020 as ADB’s response to the novel Santo. coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 11. Special ASEAN Summit and special ASEAN plus ADB has also approved ways and means to 3 summits held via video conferencing was streamline its actions for quicker and more chaired by Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister flexible delivery of assistance. of Vietnam. Note: The summit was attended by 16. Annual Global Report on Food Crises titled heads of state or government of the 10 ASEAN “2020 Global Report on Food Crises-Joint members– Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Analysis for better decisions” by United Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP). Note: Thailand and Vietnam.The objective behind As per the report number of people from 50 this summit was to discuss measures relating countries in the food crisis rose by nearly 10% to containing and preventing the spread of to 123 million people from 112 million in the COVID-19 and to support people in the 2019 edition. The reports also found another countries hit by the disease 183 million were at risk of slipping into a food 12. In accordance with the Gartner 2019 Digital crisis. The 10 countries faced worst food crisis Workplace Survey India becomes the world’s in 2019 by number of people in Crisis are most digitally dexterous (skilful) country in Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the world. Note: India has a vast Gen Z Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, workforce who are keen to learn new digitally Sudan, Syria, Nigeria and Haiti powered skills in the workplace. India is

17. UNODC organization has launched the 19. Pakistan hosted the South Asian Association “Lockdown Learners” series of online for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) health dialogues with students and educators in India ministers virtual conference. Note: The on COVID-19 & its impact on the Sustainable meeting was chaired by Special Assistant to Development Goals (SDGs), peace and the rule the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Health of law. Note: The United Nations Office on Services Dr Zafar Mirza and SAARC Secretary- Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) under its flagship General- Esala Ruwan Weerakoon also Education for Justice Initiative launched the attended the virtual conference.During the “Lockdown Learners” series of online virtual conference SAARC countries agreed to dialogues with students and educators in India enhance cooperation in the health sector, on COVID-19 & its impact on the Sustainable particularly in the context of efforts to combat Development Goals (SDGs), peace and the rule the virus at the regional level.India was of law.The aim of this initiative is to make represented by Rajiv Garg, the Director students aware of the vulnerable groups and General of Health Services. emerging issues such as cybercrime, misinformation, gender-based violence, 20. To organize a virtual workshop “The Contract discrimination, and corruption, among others. Management during Emergency situations” 18. Lebanon becomes the 1st Arab nation to World Bank has tie up with All India legalise cannabis (also known as marijuana) Management Association. farming for medicinal & industrial use. Note: Note: The aim of the agreement is to create This is to boost the exports & to beat the awareness about the likely impact of the economic crisis created by the coronavirus coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic on the (COVID-19) pandemic.Lebanon faces the worst implementation of the bank-funded projects. economic crisis due to lockdown since the The workshop saw the discussion over the role 1975-1990 civil war. Earlier the Lebanon of Dispute Resolution Boards and Arbitrators banned growing, selling and consuming in case of the disagreement between the cannabis.As per the United Nations (UN), parties.It was attended by Dr. Ajit Patwardhan, Lebanon is the 3rd largest supplier of cannabis contract management expert, Director resin in the world after Morocco and Planning and Coordination, JTFRP and other Afghanistan. senior officers of JTFRP.

Honors & Awards 1. Manufacturing unit of Indian Railway 2. NGO ‘ARMMAN’ has been awarded the Skoll Chittaranjan Locomotive Works has set the Award for Social Entrepreneurship 2020 in Limca Book of Records for producing record recognition of its exceptional work in the 431 locomotives in the financial year 2019- maternal and child health space in India. Note: 2020. Note: This was achieved despite novel ARMMAN, an India-based non-profit coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions that organization (NPO), has been awarded the creating disruptions during the current Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship 2020 financial year (FY20). The unit has surpassed in recognition of its exceptional work in the its own previous year (2018-2019) record maternal and child health space in India, along when it produced 402 locomotives in 297 with 4 other awardees.ARMMAN is the only working days. CLW’s Locomotive production organization from Asia and Africa, selected has increased 75% over the last 6 years period from 700 organizations. from 250 in 2014-15 to 431 in 2019-20 in line 3. Naveen Patnaik has been conferred with ‘Hero to support 100% Electrification and ‘Make in to Animals Award’ by animal rights body PETA India’ initiative of the central government. India. Note: He has been awarded by People

for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has an installed capacity of 10,763 megawatts for allocating funds to feed community animals together with its subsidiaries and jointly in Odisha during the lockdown over the novel controlled entities. coronavirus pandemic. The lockdown has not 7. Algerian Novelist Abdelouahab Aissaoui has only affected people but animals as well. In the won the 13th International Prize for Arabic concern that the animals do not go starving in Fiction (IPAF) 2020 for his novel ‘The Spartan such conditions, CM approved of Rs 54 lakhs Court’. Note: The novel was published by Dar from a relief fund to feed animals of the Min in 2018 & will receive USD 50,000 and community. funding will be provided for the English 4. Ben Stokes has been named as the leading translation. It is shortlisted from 6 novels, cricketer of the world in 2020 by Wisden. where the other 5 authors will each receive Note: England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes has USD 10,000. It is a historical novel that relates been named as the leading cricketer in the the power struggle between Ottoman and world 2020 by Wisden. Andrew Flintoff was French colonial powers in Algeria where it the last English player to win the award in interconnects the lives of 5 characters in 2005. Ben Stokes was the hero of the Cricket Algiers at the beginning of the 19th century World Cup 2019 final as he guided England to (1815 to 1833). their maiden triumph in the 50-over 8. Adam Higginbotham has won the William E. showpiece tournament at Lord’s on July 14. Colby Award 2020 for his book “Midnight in 5. Female cricketer Ellyse Perry has been named Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World’s the Wisden’s Leading Female Cricketer in the Greatest Nuclear Disaster”. Note: The Award World 2020. Note: Australia’s Ellyse Perry has was established in 1999 by William E. Colby been named the Wisden’s Leading Female Military Writers’ Symposium at Norwich Cricketer in the World.Perry scored the University in Vermont to recognize the 1st highest runs and took the most wickets as work of fiction or nonfiction that has made a Australia successfully retained their Women’s major contribution to the understanding of Ashes title against England last year. military history, intelligence operations, or 6. Power company Tata Power has won the international affairs.It is presented by Norwich Edison Award for social innovation. Note: The University in Northfield, Vermont, and company bags the awards for its ‘Club Enerji sponsored in part by the Chicago-based #Switchoff2SwitchOn’ campaign. It has Pritzker Military Foundation.It is named in brought about 533 participating schools across honor of the late Central Intelligence India, saving over 29.8 million units of power Agency(CIA) director, William Egan Colby. since its inception in 2007. Tata Power is India’s largest integrated power company and Banking & Financial Awareness

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased corporate bonds, RBI has also enabled a Fully the foreign portfolio investment (FPI) limit in Accessible Route (FAR) for investment by non- corporate bonds to 15%. Note: The Reserve residents in government securities. Bank of India (RBI) has increased the foreign 2. ICICI Bank has launched Whatsapp banking to portfolio investment (FPI) limit in corporate assist its customers in meeting the banking bonds to 15% of outstanding stock for FY needs from homes during the lockdown. Note: 2020-21 from 9%to strengthen the segment of Any existing ICICI Bank Savings Account the corporate bonds. The limit has been customer on WhatsApp can access the new increased under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of service.The customer who has only an ICICI the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 credit card can use the service to block/ (42 of 1999). Apart from raising FPI limit in unblock the card.The Non-ICICI Bank

customers can also use this service to know the time of outbreak of the coronavirus the nearby location of the Bank’s branches / (COVID-19) pandemic. ATMs. 7. For the proposed a 4 -year COVID-19 3. To launch ‘COVID-19 protection insurance emergency response & health systems cover’ for shopkeepers, in a 1st, BhartPe preparedness project in India the World Bank partners with ICICI Lombard. Note: According has offered USD 1 billion. Note: The project to this policy, 100% of the sum assured will be aims to develop the preparedness of India’s paid to the policyholder for the diagnosis of health care systems in the time of the Coronavirus. This includes expenses incurred pandemic & also to respond and mitigate the after hospitalization. The ICICI Lombard pandemic. The project measures the progress Health Cover, available on the BharatPe app, on key indicators, such as the proportion of provided at a reasonable cost & offers a laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 who premium starting from Rs 199 and a sum responded within 48 hours and the proportion assured of Rs 25,000 and value-added benefits. of samples submitted for the confirmed Severe 4. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. loan agreement worth of $60 million with 8. PhonePe has launched India’s first COVID-19 affordable housing loan provider Aavas hospitalization insurance policy called Corona Financiers Ltd. Note: The grant, provided Care in collaboration with Bajaj Allianz under the ADB’s supporting access to housing General Insurance. Note: The policy will finance for women and in lagging states provide an insurance cover of 50,000 on a one- project, will help increase higher rates of time payment of Rs 156 for people who are property ownership for women in lower- under 55 years of age. The insured person will income groups. At present, India saw the acute be eligible for the claim only if he/she is housing shortage of 18.7 million units in urban diagnosed with COVID-19 after 15 days from region & 43.7 million units in rural region, that the date of purchase of this insurance. The mostly affecting low-income groups, who are policy will be valid at any hospital that is facing major problems in receiving mortgages offering treatment for covid-19. It will also including a lack of documents to prove their cover 30 days of expenses on pre- incomes. hospitalization and post-care medical 5. Standard & Poor Global Ratings has slashed treatment down India’s growth forecast for financial year 9. State Bank of India has listed green bonds of 2020-21 to 3.5%. Note: The growth rate has USD 100 million under its USD 10 billion been slashed due to the deteriorating credit global medium-term note programme on India conditions in the Asia-Pacific region as a result International Exchange Limited’s (INX) Global of Covid-19 outbreak. It also expects a sharp Securities Market Green Platform (GSM). Note: growth at 7.3% in the Indian economy for SBI has adopted the green bond framework FY22 & also has lowered India’s growth rate to with the objective of creating a positive impact 5.2% from 5.7% before lockdown. on the environment & this transaction is 6. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in considered as part of the sustainability consultation with the Government of India journey. The funds raised by green bonds are (GoI), has hiked the limit of Ways and Means used to finance green projects that do not Advances (WMA) for the first half of the discharge toxic elements. financial year 2020-21 for the centre to Rs 1.2 10. The United Nations (UN) Department of lakh crore. Note: The increment will help state Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) World & central government to overtake the current Economic Forecasting Model estimates that mismatch in the cash flow of their receipts and the global economy could shrink by 1%. Note: payments & will step up expenditure in the The UN has also warned if the restrictions on social sector, including health and sanitation at economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses, the decline could be

even deeper. The analysis estimated best & increased to 50 working days from the current worst scenarios for global growth in 2020 stipulation of 36 working days. The new 11. According to the Fitch Solutions India’s fiscal arrangement is effective immediately and is deficit is expected to go up to what per cent of valid until September 30 GDP -- 6.2 %. Note: The reason for this is the 16. Airtel Payments Bank has collaborated with economic stimulus package given to deal with Bharti AXA General Insurance to offer financial the economic impact of the coronavirus protection for COVID-19 via two different (COVID-19) epidemic. The government had set health insurance plans. Note: The plan named a target of limiting the fiscal deficit to 3.5 % of “Bharti AXA Group Health Assure Policy”offers GDP during the current financial year FY 2020- a lump sum benefit of Rs 25,000 and the other 21. plan “Group Hospital Cash”will offer a daily 12. Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its Asian benefit of starting Rs 500. It should be noted Development Outlook (ADO) 2020 has that both are ‘NeedBased Insurance’ covers forecasted a slowdown in Indian economic with a validity of one year and there is no growth to 4%. Note: For FY 21-22 it has mention about the minimum and maximum predicted Indian economic growth to 6.2%.On age limit to avail this policy. the region front, Asia and Pacific are expected 17. The Punjab National Bank Housing Finance to decline to 2.2% in FY 20-21 and then (PNBHF) has signed agreement with Japan rebound to 6.2% in 2021.Also, the growth in International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to South Asia will downgrade to 4.1% in FY 20-21 raise to provide loans to affordable housing and then recover to 6% in FY 21-22 segment. 13. Fitch Ratings has trimmed the Indian growth Note: forecast for fiscal year (FY) 2020-2021 to 2%.  It is a 5 year long term loan which helps Note: This would be the slowest growth in to balance the company’s Asset Liability India over the past 30 years.On the global Management (ALM) position. front, Fitch has predicted a contraction of 1.9%  It is JICA’s first debt funding in India’s in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth for housing finance sector. FY 20-21. 18. Bank of Baroda (BoB) has initiated four 14. The government of India has nominated Indian schemes for agri sector to tackle COVID-19 Overseas Bank (IOB) and HDFC Bank for the impact. Note: The Bank of Baroda (BoB) has collection of donations PM-CARES Fund. Note: initiated four agro schemes for Women Self The contributions can be made by RTGS, NEFT, Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer IMPS, cheques and demand drafts were drawn Organizations (FPO/FPC) and farming in favour of PM-CARES Fund. One can also community. It should be noted only the remit contributions directly by electronic existing borrowers of BoB whether individual clearing system (ECS) to the designated or FPO or SHG are eligible for the schemes. savings bank account of nominated banks.It 19. The Small Industries Development Bank of should be noted that all donations are entitled India (SIDBI) has announced to provide to 100% income tax exemption under Section emergency working capital to Small and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Medium Enterprises (SMEs) up to one crore. 15. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to Note: The SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate increase the number of days that a State/UT Emergency response against coronavirus can continue to overdraft to 21 working days. (SAFE) loan limit has been increased to 2 Note: Due to coronavirus pandemic States/UTs crores from Rs 50 lakhs.It is a financial are facing cash flow mismatches therefore RBI assistance program launched by SIDBI for has increased the number of days of overdraft (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) MSMEs from 14 working days to 21 working days.In that engage in the manufacturing of products addition, the number of days that a State/UT (hand sanitizers, masks, gloves, head gear, can overdraft in a quarter has also been bodysuits, shoe covers, ventilators, goggles,

among others) or offer services to combat the done as a secondary market transaction. The novel coronavirus. stakes comprises of 17.49 million shares of the 20. According to the United Nations Economic and country’s largest mortgage lender HDFC. After Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific the transaction, the closing price of the (ESCAP) report India’s GDP growth for FY 20- Chinese central bank’s stake in HDFC was Rs 21 is likely to be declined to 4.8%. Note: As per 2,976 crore. the report the Economic growth for the 25. The twitter campaign urging bank customers country could stand at 5.1% for fiscal year to adopt digital modes of payment that are 2021-22.It should be noted that our Finance convenient and safe has been launched by Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had projected Reserve Bank of India. Note: RBI emphasised India’s GDP growth of 6-6.5% while presenting on transacting digitally as it gives the economic survey 2020-21, up from 5% convenience of making payments anytime and estimate for 2019-20. anywhere. Through the campaign, RBI 21. Goldman Sachs lowered India’s growth reiterated the multiple digital payment options forecast for Financial Year 2020-21 from 3.3% such as NEFT, IMPS, UPI and BBPS that are to 1.6%. Note: It stated that the revised growth available 24*7. The face of the campaign is will be deeper when compared to the Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. recession India has experienced in 1970’s, 26. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed 1980’s & 2009.Many analysts like Fitch, Moody banks to invest what per cent of the funds are downgrading India’s growth rate due to raised through targeted long-term repo the pandemic. operations (TLTRO) route 50 per cent. Note: 22. . Jana Small Finance Bank has launched RBI has announced the TLTRO on March 27, DigiGen a digital banking platform to open 2020 to ensure sufficient liquidity in the savings account & fixed deposit digitally. corporate bond market and has already Note:It is a 3 step process to open an account, conducted three such operations worth Rs where the customers are eligible for 4.5% 25,000 crore each. Now, the liquidity availed interest rates on savings accounts with no under it has to be deployed by banks in minimum balance and up to 7.5% interest on investment grade corporate bonds, fixed deposits.The new digital solution offers commercial papers and Non-convertible many features including online bill payment, debentures (NCDs). Investments made by instant cash transfer and airport lounge access banks under this TLTRO facility will be on a debit card. classified as held to maturity (HTM) i.e. owned 23. Yes Bank has extended its strategic till maturity. bancassurance partnership with Max Life 27. The rate of interest in the “Sovereign Gold Insurance for five more years. Note: As a part Bond Scheme 2020-21” to be launched by the of partnership, the products of the life insurer RBI on behalf of GoI -- 2.50 per annum. Note: sold through the branches of Yes Bank. The Central government after exercising its Customers are offered with a broad range of power conferred under clause (iii) of section 3 need-based products and services.It should be of Government securities Act 2006 has noted that the companies began their launched a new series of the Sovereign Gold partnership in February 2005, and has about Bond (SGB) Scheme namely “Sovereign Gold 280,000 policies. It has settled death claims of Bond 2020-21”.It is to be issued by Reserve more than Rs 70 crore and offered protection Bank of India (RBI) in six tranches from April worth Rs 34,500 crore to policy holders and 2020 to September 2020 i.e. in first half of FY their families. 20-21. Their sale will be restricted to resident 24. China (People’s Bank of China) has raised its individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and stake in Housing Development Finance Charitable Institutions. Corporation Limited (HDFC) from 0.8% to 28. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in 1.01%. Note: The stake raising process was partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) to

launch a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) region will be “severe and unprecedented“ due based payment platform. Note: The platform to the impact of the pandemic & Asia is still Bharat InstaPay is to enable all types of doing better than other regions in terms of channel partners of BSNL to digitize their activity. payment transactions on round the clock 32. Tata AIA becomes the 1st Life Insurance basis/ real- time basis. In particular it will help company in India to announce additional the prepaid sellers to buy the services benefits for its policyholders & agents. Note: immediately for sale. It will improve BSNL’s This is to to support them during the novel credibility towards partners, & will help in coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.All growth of partners’ business at a faster pace. policyholders will get additional benefit equal 29. International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its to the base sum assured or Rs 5,00,000 (no “World Economic Outlook, April 2020” has additional cost) whichever is lower, it is decreased India’s GDP growth rate to 1.9%. applicable for all valid death claims with a date Note: It has also predicted that in FY 21-22 the of death on or before June 30th 2020.All Indian economy will recover strongly with a ‘active’ agents with their spouse and children growth projection of 7.4%. This current are entitled upto Rs 25,000 hospitalization projected GDP growth rate at 1.9% for 2020- cover if diagnosed with COVID-19 within the 21 is 3.9% lower than the January outlook and period as mentioned for the policyholders. 5.1% lower than the projection made in 33. The Reserve Bank of India has slashed Reverse 2019.On the global front, the economy is Repo rate to 3.75%. Note: It has been decided projected to contract by –3% in FY 20-21 to reduce the fixed reverse repo rate under while it will grow by 5.8% in 2021 as liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis economic activity normalizes due to the points (bps) from 4% to 3.75% with containment of COVID-19. immediate effect to maintain more liquidity in 30. HDFC Bank has launched Safety Grid campaign the banking system.The reverse repo rate is which was conceptualized by Leo Burnett the rate at which central bank of a country India to help people maintain social distancing. (Reserve Bank of India in case of India) Note: It has created physical makers on the borrows money from commercial banks. ground using the outer grid of its logo at a 34. The State Bank of India’s (SBI) Ecowrap report distance of 1 meter from each outside the estimated India’s Gross Domestic Product outlets like pharmacies, grocery stores, (GDP) growth may fall to 1.1%. Note: Due to Automated teller machines (ATMs) among the extension of lockdown till May 3, it has others.It has been implemented in Mumbai, estimated overall loss for FY21 around Rs 12.1 Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, lakh crore or 6% of nominal gross value added Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar at 1,750 (GVA) taking the nominal GVA growth for the essential services stores & will be entire year to be around 4.2% & the nominal implemented at over 4,000 essential services GDP is projected at 4.2%.The net tax revenue stores across the 8 cities. will have a shortfall of at least around Rs 4.12 31. As per the IMF report titled ‘COVID-19 lakh crores, and revenue shortfall for states Pandemic and the Asia-Pacific Region: Lowest will be Rs 1.32 lakh crores. The revised fiscal Growth Since the 1960s’ what will the growth deficit will be at 5.7% of GDP from the budget of Asia region in 2020 -- 0 per cent. Note: estimate of 3.5% in FY21 and after taking into International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) report account only the current EBR (Extra Budgetary titled ‘COVID-19 Pandemic and the Asia-Pacific Resources), the deficit rises to 6.6% of GDP Region: Lowest Growth Since the 1960s’ stated 35. Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) has that Asia will stall at 0% growth in 2020 for launched Selfe Fixed Deposits (FD) and Selfe the 1st time in 60 years which includes the savings accounts to expand its digital banking Global Financial Crisis (4.7%) and the Asian services. Note: This will help its customers to Financial Crisis (1.3%).It also stated that the avoid visiting the branches as the lockdown is

extended till May 3.With the Aadhaar and 40. The Reserve Bank of India has increased the Permanent Account Number (PAN) details limit for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for customers can open an online account for Central Government to Rs 2,00,000 crores. value of Minimum investment of Rs 5,000 and Note: RBI has increased the limit for Ways and invest up to Rs 90,000 under 3 minutes. Means Advances (WMA) by 66% for Central 36. . ICICI Bank has launched voice assistance- Government to Rs 2,00,000 crore from Rs based banking services for its retail banking 1,20,000 crore for the remaining part of first customers. Note: ICICI bank has launched half of the financial year 2020-21 to tackle the voice assistance-based banking services on its financial crisis arisen due to COVID-19 integrated artificial intelligence (AI) powered pandemic.Last week, RBI increased the WMA multi-channel chatbot iPal with Amazon Alexa limit of state governments by 60%.With this and Google Assistant. Customers can access a move states would get greater financial wide range of banking services like check support to undertake COVID-19 containment balance, seek credit card details & ask queries and mitigation efforts.It should be noted that through voice commands. by Fiscal year end (FYE) i.e. on March 31, 2020 37. Fitch Solutions has declined India’s Gross the WMA limit for H1 FY21 was increased to Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the FY Rs 1.20-lakh crore against Rs.75,000 crore. 2020-21 to 1.8%. Note: For China, it has 41. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has canceled revised to 1.1% from 2.6% previously & the the license granted to the Mapusa Urban Co- real GDP contracts by 6.8% year over year(y-o- operative Bank of Goa Ltd. Note: The order y) in the 1st quarter of 2020.In the meantime, came into effect from the close of business on the targeted financial stimulus should see 16 April 2020. In the sequence of cancellation stable investment growth remain relatively of license and commencement of liquidation flat, while strong government consumption work, the process of payment of amount will will provide the majority support and prevent be initiated to depositors of Mapusa Bank as full year contraction by 2020. per Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee 38. SBI has made an announcement that the bank Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961.During the will waive service charges for all ATM liquidation, every depositor will be entitled to transactions. Note: The decision will also be deposit up to Rs. 5 lakhs from the DICGC implemented on the other bank ATMs on subject to the general terms and conditions. account of exceeding the free number of 42. To issue virtual and physical debit cards to transactions up to 30th June 2020. Therefore, enable its customers to perform secure online any customer having a debit card from a State transactions Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) Bank of India will be allowed to withdraw cash has collaborated with Mastercard. Note: PPBL from any other bank’s ATM without incurring will issue Mastercard virtual debit cards to its any additional charges till 30th June, 2020. new customers to perform secure online 39. The Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the transactions for everyday purchases.After this, licence of Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Customers will also have an option to request Goa Ltd. bank. Note: The central bank has a physical card, for contactless instore issued an order, barring the bank to carry on transactions supported by Mastercard’s chip- banking business, with effect from the close of based technology.The aim of PPBL is to issue business on April 16, 2020. Hence, the Urban over 10 million digital debit cards in FY 2020- Cooperative Bank has been refrained from 21. running the business of ‘banking’ which 43. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched comprises of acceptance of deposits as well as Working Capital demand Loan for agriculture repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5 sector. Note: It is a special credit facility for the (b) read with Section 56 of the Banking agriculture sector & allied activities as a relief Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect. measure to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans will be available to all the

existing borrowers whose accounts are and the Caribbean (19.3%), and East Asia and ‘standard’ and ‘performing’ as of March 2020. the Pacific (13%). The loans will be available to all the existing 47. To establish innovation centres Tech Mahindra borrowers whose accounts are ‘standard’ and Limited has entered into the partnership with ‘performing’ as of March 2020 from poultry, US based IBM. Note: Both the firms have dairy, fisheries and other allied activities and decided to open a 1st such centre in Bengaluru infrastructure activities such as cold storage (Karnataka) later in 2020, which showcases and rural go-downs. transformation solutions built with IBM Cloud 44. Fitch Ratings Inc in its ‘Global Economic Paks, enterprise-ready containerized software Outlook (GEO)’ has lowered India’s GDP solutions running on Red Hat OpenShift. More growth forecast to 0.8 per cent. Note: It such centres will be opened throughout North revised its projection due to the global America and the United Kingdom(UK) economic downturn caused by the spread of sometime in 2020. The tie-up is in line with coronavirus (COVID19) and Lockdown in Tech Mahindra’s TechMNxt charter, which India. Prior to this, Fitch had predicted India’s aims on providing solutions that enable digital economic growth for the financial year (FY 20) transformation and meet the customer’s at 4.9 %. However, the agency expects the evolving and dynamic needs. growth rate in 2021-22 (FY 22) at 6.7 %. 48. . World Bank has approved Rs 585 cr for 45. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in a Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation paper- A plan for economic recovery has Project. Note: Under tranche-I of HPSRTP, stated that India’s Gross Domestic Product Road construction work of Barotiwala-Baddi- (GDP) growth is likely to grow at 1.5 per cent. Sain-Ramshehar with length of 45 kms, Dadol- Note: In considering the extent of the damage Ladraurr Road with length of 14.5 kms, Mandi- to the economy from the disruption to Riwalsar-Kalkhar of length 28 kms and business, the GDP growth in FY21 is likely to Raghunathpura-Mandi- Harpura-Bharari road be the lowest in many decades.Without an with length of 3.5 kms would be undertaken. increase in government spending in the near Also, the construction of 4,960-km roads has term for economic recovery, government’s been fixed under Pradhan Mantri Gram revenue will decline and high deficits will be a SadakYojna (PMGSY) for FY 2020-21 for which problem in future. As the capacity utilization financial allocation of Rs 1,666 crore had been levels may be minimum, any significant made. recovery in investment activities is unlikely. 49. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launched a Consumption demand will be sluggish as preventive healthcare platform ‘BAGIC GOQii people’s incomes are affected. Co-pay Option’ in partnership with a smart 46. . In accordance with the report on impact of health company -- GOQii. Note: Objective of the COVID-19 on migration and remittances by product is to reward the customers with a World Bank, titled “COVID19 Crisis: Through a healthy lifestyle in the form of co-pay Migration Lens” remittances to India are likely deduction in their health insurance policy to drop by 23%. Note: In 2019, the remittances named Health Ensure policy. The option is an were increased by 5.5%. Importantly, India is add-on cover which can be opted by the the world’s biggest recipient of remittances, holders of company’s existing health insurance which bolster the country’s foreign exchange policy.If the policyholder agrees for the add-on reserves and help fund its current account cover, GOQii will on-board the customer on deficit.Remittance flows are expected to fall their app to monitor their engagement level across all regions, mostly in Europe and and also send them the health band. Central Asia (27.5%), followed by Sub-Saharan 50. SIDBI has launched special liquidity schemes Africa (23.1%), South Asia (22.1%), the Middle to support MSMEs due to lockdown. Note: The East and North Africa (19.6%), Latin America schemes will cover all eligible entities with investment-grade ratings irrespective of the

entity’s size & the quantum of the loans is 90 to check every individual bill & eliminates cash days.Small Industries Development Bank of as a medium of paying for company expenses. India (SIDBI) has received Rs 15,000 crore 52. The CARE Ratings has projected the gross from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to domestic product (GDP) of India for Fiscal provide financial aid to MSMEs.The central Year (FY) 2020-2021 between 1.1%-1.2%. bank provided the capital through a Special Note: Gross Value Added (GVA) has been Liquidity Facility (SLF). SIDBI will provide the estimated to grow at 1.4% for FY21. Overall financing to MSMEs through banks, non- growth is expected to be driven only by the banking finance companies (NBFCs) and government expenditure. The agency also microfinance institutions (MFIs). revised the GDP forecast for FY20 by declining 51. Transcorp International Ltd(TIL) becomes the it to 4.7% from 5% with GVA growth expected 1st nonbank company to receive Reserve Bank at 4.6%. of India(RBI) nod to enter into co-branding 53. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched a arrangements for prepaid Instruments. Note: special borrowing programme for Self Help It will launch Application Programming Groups (SHGs) with better records. Note: Interface (API) based co-branded partnerships Under this scheme, a member of SHG will be for digital, physical and contactless cards with given a maximum loan of Rs 5,000 & the limit select marquee clients in its own Bank for the group has been fixed at Rs 1 lakh. This Identification Number (BINs).These cards can loan will be sanctioned with an interest rate of be used by partners, financial institutions and 9.4 % for 1 year. It has been disbursed in 6 corporate houses to ease their core business working days & the benefit can be availed till activities & facilitates the accounting June 30, 2020. SHGs with better records and at department to manage expenses by not having least twice the loan from IOB will be able to avail this facility. Obituaries

1. World renowned virologist Gita Ramjee passed West Virginia Music Hall of Fame & in 2015- away in Johannesburg, South Africa. Note: She Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. was the stellar vaccine scientist and an HIV 3. Libya’s former Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril prevention research leader.Gita was born on elWarfally passed away due to Coronavirus. April 8, 1956, in Kampala, Uganda. She served Note: He served as the interim Prime Minister as the Clinical Trials Unit Principal (PM) of Libya for almost a year during the Investigator and Unit Director of the HIV Libyan Civil War in 2011, chairing the Prevention Research Unit of the South African executive board of National Transitional Medical Research Council (SAMRC) offices in Council and later killed Moammar Gaddafi in Durban. 2011. He also served as an economic advisor 2. American songwriter, soulful singer, guitarist to the Gaddafi government before the & 3 time Grammy award winner Bill Withers revolution and served as the interim leader passed away recently. Note: He is well known until the country held its first free elections in for these compilations- Lean on Me, Ain’t No four decades in 2012. Sunshine, Just the two of us (for which he 4. Malayalam Music Composer M.K. Arjunan received Grammy awards) & Lovely Day. He passed away recently. Note: He tuned about has produced 9 albums, his debut album is Just 700 songs, many of them among the biggest As I Am(1971) & the last album was Watching hits of all time. His songs were celebrated as You Watching Me(1985).In 2006 he was much as those of great composers like G. awarded the American Society of Composers, Devarajan (who was also his guru), M.S. Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Rhythm & Baburaj, V. Dakshinamoorthy and K. Raghavan. Soul Heritage Award, in 2007- Inducted into rjunan was awarded Kerala State award for

the best composer in 2017 for Jayaraj’s US in 1992 after having worked for several Bhayanakam. publications in India. 5. Renowned personality Honor Blackman 10. . Famous Shanti Hiranand Chawla passed away passed away recently. Note: Honor Blackman recently. Note: Shanti was trained in thumri, was one of the memorable costars of the early dadra and ghazal singing by Begum Akthar. James Bond films. Honor Blackman shot to With the passing of Shanti Hiranand the fame in her late 30s after playing legendary Begum Akthar era is formally over. She was Bond girl Pussy Galore in the 1964 movie world-renowned for keeping the legendary Goldfinger. ghazal singer’s style alive in her performances, 6. Famous sportsperson Radomir Antic passed which she staged all across the world including away recently. Note: Radomir Antic, Serbian Lahore, Islamabad, Toronto, Boston, New York football manager and player, the only man to and Washington. have coached Barcelona, Real Madrid and 11. Legendary sportsperson Sir Stirling Moss Atlético Madrid, passed away at the age of 71 passed away recently. Note: Moss was widely in Madrid, Spain. Antic managed Atletico on regarded as the greatest driver never to win three separate occasions, winning the league the Formula One drivers’ world championship. and cup double in 1995-96 and only one of The British driver took part in Formula One two people to coach EL Clasico rivals Real and from 1951 to 1961 and also made 67 starts in Barca during his career after Enrique the F1 World Championship, claiming victory Fernandez Viola. winning 16 races and claiming 16 pole 7. Two time Grammy award winner & Grammy positions and 24 podium positions. lifetime achievement award winner American 12. Famous sportsperson Peter Bonetti passed folk singer John Prine passed away recently. away recently. Note: He was part of England’s Note: John Prine passed away due to 1966 World Cup-winning team but was coronavirus complications.His best works are unused throughout the tournament. He was Missing Years, Fair and Square for which he featured in 1970 World Cup quarter-final received Grammy awards, Angel From defeat by West Germany. He was nicknamed as Montgomery, Illegal Smile,Christmas in Prison ‘The Cat’ because of his safe handling, lightning & Tree of Forgiveness among others.He was reflexes and his graceful style inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of 13. Renowned Politician M V Rajasekharan passed Fame in 2003 & Songwriters Hall of Fame in away recently. Note: He was former Union 2019 & received the PEN/New England Song Minister of State of planning and statistics and Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award in 2016. veteran Congress leader. He was also 8. Renowned player Donato Sabia passed away agriculture and rural development consultant. due to Coronavirus. Note: Donato Sabia, twice He was born on 12th September 1928 in Olympics 800 meters finalist and the former Maralawadi in Ramanagara District, European Indoor Champion, passed away at Karnataka. He represented the constituency of the age of 56 in Potenza, Italy due to Kanakapura in the Lok Sabha and well known Coronavirus. He was born on September 11, for his value-based politics. 1963 in Potenzo, Italy. 14. Famous sportsperson Zafar Sarfaraz passed 9. . Famous Indian American Brahm Kanchibotla away recently. Note: Former Pakistani first- passed away due to coronavirus. Note: In class cricketer, Zafar Sarfaraz ,50 years, who recent years, he has been writing for two tested positive to COVID-19 passed away in a IndianAmerican publications, the Indian hospital at Peshawar, Pakistan. He was born Panorama and the South Asia Times. During on 30th October 1969 in Peshawar, North his 28-year career in the US, he worked for 11 West Frontier Province, Pakistan.Zafar Sarfraz, years as a content editor for Merger Markets, a middle-order batsman played 15 First Class financial publication, and also worked for (FC) Games for Peshawar and played 6 List A News India-Times Weekly. He emigrated to the

Matches for Peshawar Cricket Team between Bengal. She was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan in 1988 to 1992. 1945. She founded Rangakarmee theatre 15. Renowned personality Ranjit Chowdhry group in 1976, known for its productions like passed away recently. Note: He was well Mahabhoj, Rudali, Court Martial and known for his performance in classic comedies Antaryatra. like Baton Baton Mein as Sabhi Perreira and 20. Famous sportsperson Michael John passed Khubsoorat as Jagan Gupta.His mother Pearl away recently, he was associated with Padamsee, was a Jewish descent and a well Football. Note: Former Republic of Ireland and known drama teacher and stage and film Liverpool forward footballer Michael John actress and his stepfather Alyque Padmsee, Robinson passed away at the age of 61 in was a theatre actor, director and head of an Marbella, Spain. He was born on July 12, 1958 advertising company in Mumbai He started his in Leicester, England. He appeared in more film career with “KhattaMeetha” as than 300 official matches in England for five RussieMistry. clubs, including Liverpool, and played the last 16. Name the best-selling Chilean writer and three seasons of his career in Spain with journalist passed away due to coronavirus Osasuna (Spanish Football Club). Robinson complications Luis Sepúlveda Calfucura. received the XIII International Vázquez 17. Name the former prime minister of Fiji Montalbán prize for Sports Journalism, Laisenia Qarase passed away recently. Note: awarded by FC Barcelona in December 2017. The founder of the Soqosoqo Duavata Ni He was the winner of the 2018 Vazquez Lewenivanua Party & former Fiji Prime Montalban International Journalism Award. Minister (2000- 2006) Laisenia Qarase passed 21. . Renowned personality Irfan Khan passed away at 79 in Oceania Hospital, Suva due to an away. Note: The actor was admitted to illness. He hails from Mavana, Vanuabalavu, Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai after suffering Lau. He was the former Managing Director from colon infection.He has acted in several (MD) of Fiji Development Bank, served on the remarkable movies like Maqbool, Paan Singh board of Fijian Holdings Limited, was a former Tomar, The Lunchbox, Haider, Piku, Hindi Chairman of Fiji Television Limited, was the Medium, Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World, MD of Merchant Finance & also served as a The Amazing Spiderman and Life of Pi. He was senator after being nominated by the Great honoured with various awards along with Council of Chiefs Padma Shri which is the fourth highest civilian 18. Renowned personality Eugene Merril Deitch award of India. passed away recently. Note: He was one of the 22. Renowned Actor Rishi Kapoor passed away. directors behind world’s most popular Note: Rishi breathed his last at the Sir HN cartoons and directed 13 episodes of Tom and Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. His Jerry. Deitch directed multiple episodes of the wife and actor Neetu Kapoor was by his side. ‘Popeye the Sailor’ series and also directed Born in the first family of Hindi cinema, Rishi popular animator cartoons such as Munro, Kapoor was the son of the man India call the Tom Terrific and Nudnik. Deitch received the showman, Raj Kapoor, and grandson of the “Winsor McCay” Award for his lifetime famous Prithviraj Kapoor. Rishi was the contribution to animation in 2004. He also second son of Raj and the sibling of Randhir, won the ‘Academy Award’ for his Best Ritu Nanda, Rima Jain and Rajeev Kapoor. Animated Short Film named “Munro” in 1960. 23. Name the Indian theatre director-actor and 19. Name the Indian theatre director-actor and activist Usha Ganguly passed away recently. activist Usha Ganguly passed away recently. Note: Usha Ganguly, was an Indian theatre Note: Usha Ganguly, was an Indian theatre director-actor and activist, most known for her director-actor and activist, most known for her work in Hindi theatre in the 1970s and 1980s, work in Hindi theatre in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at the age of 75 in Kolkata, West passed away at the age of 75 in Kolkata, West Bengal. She was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan in

1945. She founded Rangakarmee theatre Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai after suffering group in 1976, known for its productions like from colon infection.He has acted in several Mahabhoj, Rudali, Court Martial and remarkable movies like Maqbool, Paan Singh Antaryatra. Tomar, The Lunchbox, Haider, Piku, Hindi 24. Famous sportsperson Michael John passed Medium, Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World, away recently, he was associated with The Amazing Spiderman and Life of Pi. He was Football. Note: Former Republic of Ireland and honoured with various awards along with Liverpool forward footballer Michael John Padma Shri which is the fourth highest civilian Robinson passed away at the age of 61 in award of India. Marbella, Spain. He was born on July 12, 1958 26. Renowned Actor Rishi Kapoor passed away. in Leicester, England. He appeared in more Note: Rishi breathed his last at the Sir HN than 300 official matches in England for five Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. His clubs, including Liverpool, and played the last wife and actor Neetu Kapoor was by his side. three seasons of his career in Spain with Born in the first family of Hindi cinema, Rishi Osasuna (Spanish Football Club). Robinson Kapoor was the son of the man India call the received the XIII International Vázquez showman, Raj Kapoor, and grandson of the Montalbán prize for Sports Journalism, famous Prithviraj Kapoor. Rishi was the awarded by FC Barcelona in December 2017. second son of Raj and the sibling of Randhir, He was the winner of the 2018 Vazquez Ritu Nanda, Rima Jain and Rajeev Kapoor. Montalban International Journalism Award. 25. Renowned personality Irfan Khan passed away. Note: The actor was admitted to Important Day’s

1. Apr 13 is anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, when on 13 April 1919, Reginald Dyer ordered troops of British Indian Army to fire into a crowd of unarmed Indian civilians, killing over 1000 people. 2. Apr 10 is observed as World Homoeopathy Day. 2020 marks 265th birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy. During a special webinar on this occasion, Ministry of AYUSH approved Telemedicine guidelines for homeopathic practitioners. 3. Apr 11 is observed as National Safe Motherhood Day in India. Apr 11 is also marked as National Pet Day (US and several other nations). 4. Apr 11 is observed as World Liver day. 5. Apr 12 is marked as International Day of Human Space Flight. It commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight on Apr 12, 1961 6. Apr 15 is observed as World Art Day, being observed since 2012. 7. Apr 16 is observed as World Voice Day. 8. Apr 17 is observed as World Hemophilia Day, observed by World Federation of Hemophilia. 2020 theme is Get + Involved virtually and stay safe. 9. Apr 18 is observed as World Heritage Day, also as International Day of Monuments and sites. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1983.  2020 Theme is Shared Culture, Shared heritage and Shared responsibility.  This year, five Indian monuments illuminated on this occasion - Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Red Fort and Purana Qila.  It is a part of Vision 2024 of Ministry of Culture, to increase awareness about intangible cultural heritages. 10.Apr 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day, proclaimed in 2007.

11.Apr 20 is observed as UN Chinese Language Day, being observed since 2010. 12.Apr 21 is marked as National Civil Services Day. 13.Apr 22 is observed as World Earth Day, Being Observed Since 1970. 2020 is 50th anniversary of this Observance 14.Apr 23 is observed as UNESCO World Book and Copyright Day. It is being observed since 1995. For 2020, Kuala Lampur (Malaysia) is declared as World Book Capital. 15.Apr 25 is observed as World Malaria Day, established by World Health Organization in 2007. 2020 Theme is Zero malaria starts with me (Same as 2019 Theme).  Apr 25, 2020 also marks First Ever International Delegate’s Day. It marks75th anniversary of San Francisco Conference (1945).  Apr 25, 2020 is also observed as World Veterinary Day. It is observed on Last Saturday of April.  Apr 25 is also observed as World Penguin Day. 16.Apr 26 is observed as World Intellectual Property Day, established by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. 2020 Theme is Innovate for a Green Future. 17.Apr 28 - World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually since 2003. 2020 Theme is Stop The Pandemic. 18.Apr 29 - International Dance Day. It marks birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre (born on 29 April 1727), a French dancer, and creator of modern ballet, and great reformer of dance. 19.Apr 30 is observewd as Ayushman Bharat Diwas, being observed since 2018. Under Ayushman Bharat / Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Health Insurance of 5 lakh rupees per family is given to a family. 20.Apr 4 is observed as International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. 21.Apr 5 is observed as National Maritime Day in India, being observed since 1964. 22.Apr 5, 2020 is observed as First ever UN International Day of Conscience. 23.Apr 6 is observed as International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. 24.Apr 7 is observed as World Health Day, with 2020 theme Support Nurses and Midwives. It marks establishment of World Health Organization, on Apr 7, 1948. 25.Apr 8 is observed as International Romani Day, to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of issues facing Romani people. 26.Apr 9 is observed as CRPF's Valour Day. 27.April 14th is Birth Anniversary of B R Ambedkar. He campaigned against social discrimination towards untouchables (Dalits). He was independent India's first law and justice minister, and architect of Constitution of India. His Birth anniversary is observed as Social Justice Day, announced in 2018. Note that UN World Day of Social Justice is observed on Feb 20. 28.April 24 is observed as International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. 2019 was First ever observance of this day and World Day for Laboratory Animals. 29.National Panchayati Raj Day in India. It began in 2010. It marks passing of Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. 30.Odisha Day (Utkala Dibasa) is observed on 1 April, in memory of formation of state as a separate state out of Bihar, Bengal and Odisha provinces with addition of Koraput and Ganjam from Madras Presidency on 1 April 1936. 31.UNESCO Observed Mar 14 as First Ever International Day of Mathematics, Proclaimed in 2019. 32.World Immunization Week is observed annually during last week of April.

Appointments 1. AU Small Finance Bank appointed R V Verma as part-time chairman and Sanjay Agarwal has been re- appointed as MD and CEO. 2. Anamika Roy Rashtrawar has been appointed by IFFCO Tokio General Insurance as its new MD & CEO. 3. Former Karnataka cricketer J. Arunkumar has been appointed the head coach of USA Cricket team. 4. Government announced new appointments at Secretary level –  Sanjeev Ranjan - Ministry of Shipping.  Arvind Kumar Sharma - MSME Ministry.  Aramane Girdhar - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.  Ajay Tirkey - Ministry of Women & Child Development  Rajesh Verma - Ministry of Corporate Affairs.  Tarun Kapoor - Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.  Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.  Rameshwar Prasad Gupta - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change  Pradip Kumar - Ministry of Steel.  Anand Kumar - Ministry of Culture.  Amit Khare - Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  Ravi Mittal - Department of Sports (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports).  Tarun Bajaj - Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance).  Rajesh Kr. Chaturvedi - Deptt of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers).  Leena Nandan - Department of Consumer Affairs (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution).  Sudhanshu Panday -Department of Food and Public Distribution (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution).  Nagendra Nath Sinha - Department of Rural Development (Ministry of Rural Development).  Anita Karwal - Department of Education and Literacy (Ministry of Human Resource Development). 5. Government reconstituted 16 member National Shipping Board (NSB), which is highest advisory body on matters related to Indian shipping. Its board will now be headed by former Director General of Shipping Malini Shankar. 6. Govt appointed Kapil Dev Tripathi as new secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind. 7. Indian Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has been named ambassador of World Wide Fund India. WWF is an international NGO, founded in 1961. 8. Infosys COO UB Pravin Rao is appointed as chairman of National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) for 2020-21. 9. International Monetary Fund (IMF) named several individuals to serve as IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva's External Advisory Group. It Includes former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan. 10.New Chief Justices for the Bombay, Orissa and Meghalaya High Courts (HC) have been recommended by Supreme Court Collegium  Bombay High Court - Dipankar Datta  Meghalaya High Court - Biswanath Somadder  Orissa High Court - Mohammad Rafiq 11.P. K. Purwar (BSNL CMD) has been given additional charge as CMD of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

12.Rajiv Kumar (Former finance secretary) has been appointed as Chairperson of Public Enterprises Selection Board(PESB). 13.Sanjay Kothari has been appointed as Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC). He earlier served as secretary to President of India, replaced by Kapil Dev Tripathi recently 14.T S Tirumurti will be appointed as India''s Permanent Representative to United Nations, replacing Syed Akbaruddin. Several Other Ambassadors Appointed  Namrata S Kumar – Slovenia  Jaideep Mazumdar – Austria  Deepak Mittal – Qatar  Piyush Srivastava - Bahrain

Books 1. Memoirs and Misinformation Novel by Dana Vachon and Jim Carrey has been released. 2. Book How the Onion Got Its Layers authored by Sudha Murty has been released. 3. Book Sayajirao Gaekwad III: The Maharaja of Baroda, written by Uma Balasubramaniam has been published. 4. Book Shuttling to the Top: The Story of P.V. Sindhu, authored by Sports journalist V. Krishnaswamy has been released. 5. Book Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess written by Satyarth Nayak has been released. 6. Book The Wizenard Series: Season One created by Late American Basket baller Kobe Bryant and Wesley King has been released. 7. Book titled Backstage: The Story Behind India’s High Growth Years, authored by Montek Singh Ahluwalia has been launched. 8. Book titled The Enlightenment of The Greengage Tree written by Shokoofeh Azar has been released. 9. Pulitzer Prize-winning American reporter Mary Jordan wrote a book The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump, based on US First Lady Melania Trump. 10.How Contagion Works: Science, Awareness and Community in Times of Global Crisis - Italian physicist Paolo Giordano. 11.Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs - Michael Osterholm and Mark Olshaker.

Important News – State

1. Tamil Nadu state topped in the all-India level for micro-irrigation (MI), under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Note: Tamil Nadu topped with coverage of 2,06,853.25 ha for the year financial year 2019-20. The state is followed by Karnataka and Gujarat with 1,41,103.56 Ha and 1,08,322.00 Ha of coverage respectively. On the other hand, the cumulative total coverage of MI during 2015-2020 has been topped by Karnataka (8,15,690.31 ha) followed by Andhra Pradesh (7,17,421.08 ha) and Gujarat (7,00,858.35 ha). 2. A ‘Modi Kitchen‘ has been set up in Tamil Nadu state of India. Note: The kitchen which has a capacity to serve 500 meals per day and will remain operational till 14th April 2020.The Modi Kitchen aims to deliver food parcels within a range of radius of 10 kms and has been set up in one of the main shopping areas of the city. This initiative has been taken by the functionaries of the Common Service Centre amid the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

3. To provide information about the symptoms of COVID-19 to the people at their doorsteps Himachal Pradesh state has launched “Active Case Finding Campaign”. Note: Under the “Active Case Finding Campaign”, the information would be provided to the people by the health workers. Every ASHA worker with a two-person team will reach out every house in the village and collect health information of every person. The collected information would be shared by the team with the department via Google form. 4. Karnataka state government has launched a mobile application ‘Corona Watch’.Note: The mobile application aims to track the movement history of persons tested positive, before their detection in order to take precautions and to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The app will also provide the date and time of visit to spots by the patients. ‘Corona Watch’ app also comprises a list of government designated first response hospitals for COVID-19 where citizen with symptoms can visit. 5. Odisha state has celebrated its formation day on April 1, 2020. Note: Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) is celebrated every year on 1st April all over Odisha. Odisha Day is celebrated in the memory of the formation of the state as a separate province on 1 April 1936. This year marks the 83rd Utkal Divas or the foundation day of Odisha. 6. Andhra Pradesh state government has started distributing pensions at the doorstep to its 58,44,240 beneficiaries. Note: They using its 2.5 lakh volunteer eliminating the need for pensioners to step out of their homes. The aim is to encourage beneficiaries to stay at home and avoid stepping out. The beneficiaries have been receiving different amounts as per the defined categories. From old age persons to fishermen and folk artists, the pension will help every section amid the ongoing 21-day lockdown. 7. The Odisha government has launched an online cultural competition “Mo Prativa” in collaboration with the UNICEF. Note: The cultural competition “Mo Prativa” has been launched in order to keep children engaged at home during the lockdown period. The competition will enable childern to participate in various activies such as painting, writing of slogans, short stories, poems etc. 8. Telangana state has been installed ‘V Safe Tunnel’ to sanitize people. Note: The sanitising tunnel has been installed at the state Director General of Police’s office. A unique disinfectant named ‘V Safe Tunnel’ sanitizes people from any possible bacteria and other microbes within 20 seconds. The ‘V Safe Tunnel’ aims to minimise the local transmission of Coronavirus in the state by providing maximum protection to people passing through the tunnel in around 20 seconds. 9. As per the report published by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the year ended March 31, 2018 Rajasthan state commits highest crime related to the environment in the country. Note: In accordance with the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for the year ended March 31, 2018, 40.59% of the crimes related to the environment in the country were committed in Rajasthan (RJ) during 2014-16. The major crimes were violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Wildlife Protect Act, 1972 which resulted in using of forest land for non-forest purposes without approval of government and capturing, poisoning, snaring or trapping of wild animals respectively. 10.Odisha becomes the first state to extend Covid-19 lockdown till April 30. Note:Amid unconfirmed speculation about the nationwide lockdown due to end on April 14, Odisha has become the first Indian state to extend the ongoing lockdown. In a statement Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that his government has decided to extend the lockdown period in Odisha till April 30. 11.Kerala becomes the first state to commence clinical trial plasma therapy treatment. Note: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given approval to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, This is to commence convalescent plasma therapy, which uses antibodies from the blood of cured patients, to treat critically ill COVID- 19 cases on a trial basis. Therefore, Kerala becomes the first state in the country to start clinical trial plasma therapy treatment.

12.UT Delhi has announced a 5T plan which includes- Testing, Tracing, Treatment, Teamwork & Tracking and monitoring to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Note: Testing- Only through testing, the infected person can be detected & aggressive testing is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. Tracing- Persons associated with a positive patient are identified and asked for self- quarantine. reatment- If someone is infected with COVID-19, they will be provided treatment. Teamwork- The virus can be combated & defeated through teamwork. Tracking & Monitoring- Active tracking & monitoring the developments will help to take action to deal with the spread of the virus. 13.Delhi government has launched “Operation SHIELD” in identified Containment Areas of the state to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Note: It deals with sealing, home quarantine, isolation & tracking, essential supply of commodities, local sanitisation and door-to-door health checkups.S– Sealing of the immediate area/surroundings after geographical marking.H– Home quarantine of all the people living in the area. ➢ I– Isolation and tracing of people who have been first and second contacts. ➢ E– Essential supply of commodities is ensured. ➢ L– Local sanitisation of the area by authorities. ➢ D– Door-to-door health checks of everyone living in the area. 14.Manipur state Government has launched a new initiative “Food Bank” based on the theme ‘Help End Hunger Today’. Note: The food bank will provide food items (such as rice, aata, maida, daal, edible oil, salt, potato, onions , milk, biscuits, packaged drinking water), hand sanitisers and face masks to drug rehabilitation centres and people living in Imphal East District affected by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). 15.Arunachal Pradesh state government has launched an app called “COVIDCARE”. Note: The newly developed “COVIDCARE” app is an effort of the Arunachal Pradesh government to combat COVID-19. The “COVIDCARE” app has been launched for the people who are quarantined, asymptomatic or COVID-19 patients, facilitating them various facilities through the app. 16.Goa becomes the first state to integrate allopathy and Ayurveda to treat COVID-19 patients. Note:Goa Chief Minister (CM) Pramod Sawant announced that Goa becomes the first state to integrate allopathy and Ayurveda to treat COVID-19 patients and those who have been quarantined. 17.Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state to initiate Pool Testing of COVID-19. Note: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given its approval for pool testing to Uttar Pradesh (UP), making latter the first state to do so. The decision has been taken to maximize the sample testing on a daily basis as the cases of COVID-19 positive patients are increasing in the state. 18.Rajasthan becomes the first state in the country to carry out Rapid Testing for Covid 19. Note: State’s urban primary health centre of TopkhanaDesh (also known as Jaju Dispensary) in Jaipur started rapid tests at 5 p.m where 52 persons were tested and all were found COVID-19 negative.This test will be done at a large scale to assess the prevalence of Covid 19 in hotspots or red zones.Apart from this, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or laboratory tests will continue to be done in acceleration in the containment zones all over Rajasthan. 19.Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state to geotag its community kitchens and community shelters. Note: The Yogi Adityanath State government has also tied up with Google to “Geo-map” for the location of all these establishments through the Google Maps app for ease of beneficiaries.Out of these 7,368 community kitchens, 668 are being run by NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), religious institutions and more than 2 crore food packets have been distributed in UP since March 25, 2020. Relief Commissioner Sanjay Goyal, added that the concept of relief camps and community kitchens is not new as every year, the DMs (District Magistrates) work out similar plans in areas affected by yearly droughts and floods. 20.Border Roads Organisation has constructed 430 feet long bailey “Daporijo bridge” in Arunachal Pradesh. Note: The bridge was inaugurated by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu over

video conferencing.The bridge is built over Subansiri River the largest tributary of Brahamputra.The new bridge will provide adequate movement of supplies for 451 villages and approximately 3,000 security force personnel deployed along the India- China border. The bridge replaced an older bridge in Daporijo, which was constructed in 1992. 21.Himachal Pradesh. state government has rolled out “e-sanjeevani-opd” for free online medical consultation to sick people. Note: The “e-sanjeevani-opd” has been launched to provide free online medical consultation to sick people at their residence throughout the state. Hence, through this new initiative, the Himachal Pradesh government will ensure the facility of health services to the people in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic. 22.Uttar Pradesh becomes the 1st state with a software-based in-house facility of virtual courts. Note: As per an apex court directive to develop video conferencing system for hearing cases and also for maintaining social distancing, Allahabad High Court has developed a new software by which multiple court proceedings at the High Court and district courts across the state can be conducted through virtual courts within the court premises without any internet connectivity. 23.Madhya Pradesh government has launched ‘Chief Minister COVID-19 Yoddha Kalyan Yojana’ to benefit the Anganwadi workers and Assistants of the state. Note: Under the scheme, the state government will provide a special health insurance cover of Rs 50 lakhs. The benefit of this scheme will be given to the warriors under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), which was launched by the central Government to cover only the field staff of health, police and other departments working day and night to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 24.Rajasthan government has partnered with MedCords to provide online consultations and to deliver medicine to the people of the state. Note: MedCord will provide the requirements of over 68 million people throughout Rajasthan through its integrated solution – Aayu and SehatSathi app.The aim of the startup is to provide access to quality healthcare in urban and rural India. MedCord is fully adopted in 7 districts of Rajasthan (Kota, Udaipur, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pali and Jaipur). 25.Delhi government has launched “Assess Koro Na” app for door-to-door survey in COVID-19 containment zones. Note: The first phase of the app-based assessment will be launched in South Delhi.Since there is a delay in collecting and analysing the data of a person in a physical form during the door-to-door survey. With this app, the data collected can be uploaded on the servers in real-time and immediate analysis. 26.Gujarat government has approved the 3rd edition of his government’s ‘Sujalam Sufalam Jal Sanchay Abhiyan’ (SSJA). Note: The scheme will continue till June 10, 2020 with a focus on deepening of lakes, check dams and rivers by removing silt. It will be done with people’s participation as well as under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).The scheme will create employment opportunities for the rural population amid the lockdown. 27.Himachal Pradesh state government has started to use eSanjeevaniOPD through which free online medical consultation & general health advice will be provided to the people at their residence. Note: It is a National Teleconsultation Service of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare & is the 1st of its kind online OPD (Out Patient Department) service. It aims to provide healthcare services to patients in their homes, which enables a safe & structured video-based clinical consultations between a doctor in a hospital and a patient at home. 28.Karnataka state government has launched “Apthamitra” helpline toll free number and an application to empower the people to fight against coronavirus pandemic. Note: The Apthamithra helpline will provide service from 8 AM to 8 PM, with four helpline centers in Bangalore, one center in Mysore and one in Bantwal, Mangalore with a capacity of 300 seats. The helpline is to reach out to people in the corona hotspot areas and to identify the Influenza Like illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SERI) and the corona like symptoms.

29.Assam state government has launched a special scheme called ‘Dhanwantari’, under which locally unavailable medicines will be delivered to patients at home. Note: The Assam state government’s health department has launched a special scheme called ‘Dhanwantari’, under which locally unavailable medicines will be delivered to patients at home. This medicine is free up to 200 rupees. If the required medicine is not available at a distance of 10 km from the house, the government will provide the medicine at home. This facility can be availed by calling 104. 30.Andhra Pradesh government has launched zero interest loan scheme for Women Self-Help Groups(SHGs). Note: Each SHG will receive a sum ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 towards the interest component on their loans. The State will also distribute house-sites to over 27 lakh women on July 8 as the programme got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 31.Madhya Pradesh government has launched Jeevan Shakti Yojana to enable women in urban areas to earn by making masks at home. Note: The government will pay them Rs 11 per mask.The CM interacted with some women of the state through video conferencing, who have registered to make masks. 32.Gujarat state government has launched a unique initiative called ‘Umbare Aanganwadi under Integrated Child Development Services programme to reach out to children during the lockdown Note: Under this initiative, the ICDS department of the state will mainly offer ready to eat nutritious food packets through AMUL to its beneficiaries including 14 lakh children between 3-6 years of age, pregnant and nursing women and adolescent girls through the network of around 53 thousand Aanganwadi. 33.Andhra Pradesh state government has launched ‘Covid Pharma’ app to keep a track of people buying medicines over-the-counter (OTC) for cough, cold and fever from medical stores across the state. Note: The pharmacies in the State is expected to download the app and register the details of persons, including their mobile number. To monitor patients who experience any increase in cold & fever, which helps to trace easily the persons with any symptoms of coronavirus. It works as an additional precautionary measure for regular sample testing simultaneously.

Meetings

1. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar participated in G-20 Extraordinary Agriculture Ministers Meeting through Video Conferencing, on issue of COVID-19 impacts on food security, safety and nutrition. Saudi Arabia is G-20 Chair for 2020. 2. BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs /International Relations Held Through video conference, led by Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India.

 BRICS nations agreed to allocate $ 15 billion to New Development Bank (NDB), so that it could set up a special loan instrument to support revival of economies amid coronavirus pandemic.

3. Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman participated in virtual session of 2nd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under Saudi Arabian Presidency, to discuss global economic outlook amid evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

 She also attended Plenary Meeting of International Monetary and Financial Committee.  She also attended 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Shanghai Based New Development Bank, set up by BRICS Nations in 2014.

 NDB will provide assistance of 1 billion USD to India, to tackle COVID-19. India pitched NDB to enhance its COVID-19 Relief fund to 10 Billion USD.  Other related Meets -  Health and Family welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan attended Video Conference of Health Ministers of G20 countries.  Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar participated in G-20 Extraordinary Agriculture Ministers Meeting through Video Conferencing, on issue of COVID-19 impacts on food security, safety and nutrition. Saudi Arabia is G-20 Chair for 2020.  Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan participated in G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers’ virtual Meeting. It was called by Saudi Arabia, as G20 President.  G20 Digital Ministers' Meet attended by Minister for Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & IT Ravi Shankar Prasad.

4. Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman participated in virtual session of 2nd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under Saudi Arabian Presidency, to discuss the global economic outlook amid evolving COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

 She also attended Plenary Meeting of International Monetary and Financial Committee.

5. Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate change Prakash Javadekar attended 11th session (and 1st virtual session) of Petersberg Climate Dialogue. It was hosted by Germany, co-chaired by UK.

 India suggested to create 1 trillion USD grant to developing world immediately.  This Dialogue is being organized by Germany since failure of 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhegen.

6. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan participated in G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers’ virtual Meeting. It was called by Saudi Arabia, as G20 President. Science

1. Scientists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) developed a highly efficient superabsorbent material for liquid respiratory and other body fluid solidification and disinfection for the safe management of infected respiratory secretion, titled Chitra Acrylosorb Secretion Solidification System. 2. Scientists at Institute of Nano Science and Technology Mohali (INST) found a low-cost metal-free nanomaterial for visible light microbial disinfection which can be an alternative to silver and other metal-based materials.  Researchers tested carbon nitride quantum dots (g-CNQDs) for visible-light-driven antibacterial activity and found it to be efficient, apart from being biocompatible with mammalian cells.  It is a suggested anti bacterial alternative to metal/non-metal semiconductors and expensive silver, thus making it cost-effective. 3. An earth size exoplanet Kepler-1649c has been found by researchers, while looking through old observations from Kepler Telescope. The planet orbits in its star’s habitable zone, which supports liquid water.

 Of all exoplanets found by Kepler, this one is most similar to Earth’s temperature and size.  It is 1.06 times larger from Earth. It receives from its host star the 75 % of light that Earth receives from sun, making its temparature similar to earth.  A year on Kepler-1649c is equivalent to only 19.5 days on Earth, as it orbits its red dwarf star very closely. 4. As per C3S (Copernicus Climate Change Service) and CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service)  The 1 Million Square Kilometer Hole in Ozone layer Over North Pole, has healed itself. It was formed due to unusual climatic conditions and was discovered recently.  Polar Vortex is cyclonic circular winds that blow in stratosphere from west to east. Polar Vortex extends from tropopause through stratosphere and into mesosphere.  When vorticity is high, values of ozone is minimum and temperature is at its highest cold. Thus, the hole has closed as the vorticity has decreased. 5. Asteroid 1998 OR2 (Asteroid 52768) safely passed by Earth, at distance of 62 Lakh kilometres.  It had diameter of approx 1.2 Miles (2 KM) and travelled at approx 20000 miles per hour.  NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, had categorized asteroid 1998 OR2 as ‘a potentially hazardous object’, because it flies past Earth’s earth at regular intervals. 6. Brazilian Astronomers discovered 19 new asteroids between Jupiter and the Neptune, believed to hae joined solar system 4.5 billion years ago. These asteroids once belonged to another star and are now orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. They are now a part of “Centaurs” orbiting the sun. 7. CSIR - Central Scientific Instruments Organisation Chandigarh (CSIO) developed an innovative technology for effective disinfection and sanitization to fight with corona pandemic, transferring this technology to Nagpur-based Rite Water Solutions. 8. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) approved use of medicine Sepsivac for testing on COVID-19 Patients, developed through its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program.  CSIR has been supporting Cadila Pharmaceuticals since 2007, for developing a drug to save lives of critically ill patients suffering from Gram-negative sepsis. The drug has been shown to reduce the mortality of critically ill patients by more than half.  Similarity of symptoms under Gram-negative sepsis and COVID-19 has enforced CSIR to take this step. 9. For the first time, NASA scientists measured wind speed on a brown dwarf (located 32 light- years from Earth), an object larger than Jupiter, but not quite massive enough to become a star.  It uses findings from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.  Researchers detected winds moving around planet at 1,425 mph (2,293 kph). Comparing to Neptune's atmosphere which features fastest winds in our solar system, at 1,200 mph (about 2,000 kph). 10.Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Hyderabad collaborated with Hyderabad-based integrated pharmaceutical company LAXAI Life Sciences, to develop and manufacture APIs and drug intermediates.  APIs and intermediates are key components of any drug that produces intended effects.  Current initiative is aimed at reducing India's dependance on China for supply of APIs and drug intermediates.  The collaboration will primarily focus on Umifenovir, Remdesivir and a key intermediate of Hydroxy Chloroquine (HCQ).

11.Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) has developed a one-step curable anti-microbial coating which, when coated on different surfaces such as textile, plastic and so on could kill a range of virus types including COVID 19.  Corona virus, like influenza, is also an enveloped virus. Therefore it is anticipated that the coating may inactivate SARS-CoV-2 upon contact and can help prevent contamination if coated on various surfaces. 12.NASA announced to launch its flight of astronauts on May 27, under Demo-2 Mission. It is first flight of NASA in 9 years.  Mission is to use SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket.  Mission of NASA sending astronauts to International Space Station has been named “Commercial Crew Programme”. 13.National Institute of Biomedical Genomics Kalyani (West Bengal) released a study stating that novel coronavirus has mutated into 10 different types.  A2a mutation has been highly efficient in entering human lungs in large numbers because of which COVID-19 became prevalent globally. At present, 11 types have been identified.  Type O was the ancestral type that originated in Wuhan. 14.Pune based clean weather Technology private limited (Scitech Park) has developed a technology- “ScitechAiron negative ion generator” to control viral, bacterial and fungal infections in closed environments can clean the air & disinfect areas caused by COVID-19 positive cases & suspects.

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